One Hundred pound energy cost help to be matched in Wales
Elin Jones says Wales will follow England in implementing Budget cuts, while criticising the Chancellor for failing to deliver the funding and investment she says Wales needs.
The Welsh Government will make a £100 payment to households in council tax bands A to D, Elin Jones has confirmed following the UK Budget.
The Chancellor announced £100 energy support payments for eligible households in England and urged devolved governments to follow suit, as energy support is a devolved responsibility. Jones said the Welsh Government would make a similar payment following additional funding linked to the announcement.
But she described the Budget as “completely underwhelming” for Wales, criticising the lack of additional funding for public services, rail infrastructure and greater financial powers for the Welsh Government.
“There isn't the uplift to public funding that I would have wanted to see to meet the challenge of inflation that's in the system,” she said.
Jones said there had been no £1bn contribution towards rail infrastructure and called for the £14bn in funding previously announced by the UK Government to be allocated to railway stations and improvements.
She also criticised the lack of fiscal flexibility compared with Scotland, saying: “Wales has been ignored by the UK Chancellor in today's budget.”
On business rates, she said the Welsh Government would examine changes announced for England before deciding whether further measures were needed in Wales. She highlighted existing support, including a 30% reduction for smaller businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector.
Jones said she would raise the issues again when she meets the Chancellor on Friday, including calling for the same fiscal powers available to Scotland.
She said the Budget had reinforced the need for greater financial autonomy, allowing Wales to make decisions about its own priorities.